Is ‘spornosexual’ the new metrosexual?

THE journalist who coined the term metrosexual 20 years ago says a new hypersexual, body-obsessed version has taken over.

Network Writers

News Corp AustraliaJune 11, 20141:38pm

Spornosexuals ... UK Gladitators star David McIntosh is an example of what Mark Simpson says is a ‘spornosexual.’Source:Supplied

THE journalist who coined the term metrosexual 20 years ago says a new hypersexual, body-obsessed version has emerged.

Writing in the Telegraph, Mark Simpson says metrosexuals are so mainstream these days that many have evolved into a new type of man - the ‘spornosexual.’

Simpson says it is a product of sport getting into bed with porn and the result is men who want to be desired for their bodies, not their wardrobe and “certainly not their minds.”

Bathtime selfies ... The ‘spornosexual’ is a big fan of selfies, usually whenever they are shirtless. UK reality star Dan Osborne falls into this category.Source:Supplied

Back in 1994, Simpson wrote a piece talking about the future of masculinity.

“Metrosexual man, the single young man with a high disposable income, living or working in the city (because that’s where all the best shops are) is perhaps the most promising consumer market of the decade,” he said at the time.

Sure enough his prediction was accurate. Last year men in the UK spent more on shoes then women. It is no longer a sign of homosexuality to put product in your hair, wear colonge or take care of your appearance.

Sport and porn ... Rugby player Thom Evans.Source:Supplied

Simpson says the spornosexual has arisen as society continues to destigmatise homosexuality.

“Eagerly self-objectifying, second generation metrosexuality is totally tarty. Their own bodies (more than clobber and product) have become the ultimate accessories,” Simpson writes in the Telegraph. “This new wave puts the “sexual” into metrosexuality.”

Local version ... Bachelor contestant Tim Robards is an Aussie example of what Mark Simpson deems a ‘spornosexual.’Source:Supplied

He gives examples of rugby player Thom Evans, UK reality TV star Dan Osborne and UK Gladiators star David McIntosh as ‘spornosexuals’. Australian examples could well include Bachelor contestant Tim Robards, Aussie Rules footballer Buddy Franklin or rugby league player Josh Dugan.

The selfie-obsessed ‘spornosexual’ will likely be found ogling themselves in a mirror, spending more time in the bathroom than their girlfriends and perennially shirtless.